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Learning how to start up a fashion clothing store business venture may be the ideal small business idea for you if you enjoy fashion and clothing. This type of business can be started out small. However, it is important that you do the proper market research before starting. Below are a few things to consider before starting a clothing boutique.

Startup Costs

When determining the startup costs of your business, it is best to start with a business plan. By including the cost of everything from shelving to a lawyer, it helps you better understand your operating expenses and how long it will take you to make your company profitable. Make sure that you are being realistic with your costs, as underestimating can severely affect the success of your business later when you are in need of financing. For a typical small scale store, the startup costs can average between $50,000 to $150,000.

Licenses and Permits

First you will want to set up your business in your state. Consider starting as a LLC for the benefits that it provides to a small business. You will also want to get an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This will allow you to get a resale permit which will set you up to add sales tax to your products. Lastly, make sure you are up to date on all your local ordinances in order to receive a business license from your city.

Choosing a Location

Make sure to choose a location for your fashion clothing business in a retail area with a lot of foot traffic. Also, check for local competition. If the area you are considering is already saturated with fashion clothing stores, it may be wise to consider another location. By factoring all of these components when choosing a location, it will help increase the chance of success for your clothing business venture.

What Type of Clothes

Choose your niche for you fashion clothing store. For example, you could sell vintage clothing, sophisticated business wear or preppy school clothing. This choice will help you determine what type of research you will do, where you will get your inventory and how you convey your brand.

Secure Your Supply

Work with wholesalers or manufacturers when getting your inventory. You can find them by going to fashion shows such as the Off Price Show in Las Vegas or using online portals such as Buy Online Clothing or Alibaba. You can either work with domestic or overseas partners. Working domestically allows you to have better communication with your supplier, but normally at an increased price. Working overseas gives you a lower price, but normally at an increased production time and larger minimum order quantities.

Working directly with the manufacturer as opposed to wholesalers is the best situation. It allows you to have the most control over your products and the cheapest prices. However, it also means the most amount of work.

When working with a manufacturer, it is a good idea to visit their facilities before your major production begins. Putting a face to a voice or email and being able to see and determine the quality of your products goes a long way in making sure you have a successful start for your clothing boutique.

Clothing Seasons

Fashion clothing businesses go through cycles that normally correspond with the seasons. Depending on your particular clothing business venture this could mean two to four different clothing seasons. Make sure to plan ahead of time to properly stock your store’s inventory with seasonally appropriate clothing to take advantage of this.

Hire Staff

Look for staff that effectively represents your business. Remember that they are the face of your business and will be the people that your customers associate with your brand.

Set Up a Website

Make an ecommerce website to both advertise your brand and sell your fashion clothing. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, you can find easy to use templates through online companies such as Shopify or Quick2Host.

Store Presentation

Make sure to organize your store so that the most popular clothing items are at the front of the store. Also, create a comfortable atmosphere in the store so that your customers do not feel rushed or stressed. If your customers feel more at ease and stay in your store longer, they are more likely to buy additional clothing.

Storing Your Inventory

Make sure to store your clothing properly as they are your source of revenue. This means that they should stay stored in a dry, cool and smoke free environment. Consider getting insurance for your warehouse to help protect your investment.

Marketing Your Business

Take advantage of social media through platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to advertise your fashion clothing business. Make sure to create interesting and interactive content. This could include fashion tips on what to wear for spring or outfits of the day.

About the Author

Michael is a writer in various subjects. He is a mechanical engineer and freelance writer, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. His articles have appeared mostly online.

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Flanagan, Michael. "How to Start Up a Fashion Clothing Store Business Venture." Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-up-fashion-clothing-store-business-venture-10141.html. 29 August 2017.

Flanagan, Michael. (2017, August 29). How to Start Up a Fashion Clothing Store Business Venture. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-up-fashion-clothing-store-business-venture-10141.html

Flanagan, Michael. "How to Start Up a Fashion Clothing Store Business Venture" last modified August 29, 2017. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-up-fashion-clothing-store-business-venture-10141.html

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